Bradley Brown had ridden his mountain bike past the historic ranch before it was even on the market. He purchased the overgrown property in 1998 with the vision of restoring it to its former glory. Early consulting was provided by Rhône Ranger, John Alban, who encouraged Brown not to follow any formulas. Brown manages the vineyard and oversees winemaking. He makes high quality, terroir driven wines that, in his words, “buck the trends of dogma.”

VINEYARD

The organic-certified estate vineyard sits on property that was originally homesteaded in the 1880s and where grapes were grown until Prohibition. Located between two watersheds — the Boulder Creek Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley — high rainfall and steep hillsides make for a challenging growing site, with fog coming in from three directions. Fruit is also sourced from the uncertified Coastview Vineyards in the Gabilan Mountains. The focus is on Rhône varietals, along with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.

WINES

The Homestead Block Roussanne 2015 is aged in amphoras and oak barrels for 12 months, then racked to stainless steel. Its honeyed mouthfeel and notes of almonds and fresh pineapple make it the perfect pairing for scallops. The dark and rich Gabilan Mountains GSM 2014 is particularly expressive, with dark raspberry, cocoa, and a lively vibrancy due to the high granite levels of the vineyard. Rattlesnake Rock Syrah 2014(Slow Wine) was released two years after bottling, this wine is full and supple, rich with dark fruit, espresso and baking spice from spending 21 months in French Oak.